What is a mislabeled specimen?
For example, when a specimen from one patient is labeled with another patient’s name some studies described this error as ‘mislabeled specimens’ when as others categories this error as ‘wrong blood in tube’.
How do you deal with mislabeled specimens?
Mislabeled Specimens Specimens received unlabeled, double labeled, or with a requisition bearing a name and/or medical record number different than what is affixed to the specimen will not be tested. The patient’s nurse and/or physician will be notified to recollect the specimen.
When Should specimen labeling take place?
Specimens need to be properly labeled at the time of collection by using patient identification before administering the patient’s test, and also when applying the label to the specimen. Patients must be present when the medication container is being labeled to ensure it is the correct patient and correct test.
What is the proper way of labeling blood samples?
To maintain patient safety standards, specimens must be properly labeled with the name of the patient, a numerical identifier that is unique to the patient (like DOB or SSN), collection date, and the source of the specimen, where applicable.
How lab directors can help nursing staff eliminate mislabeled specimens?
Barcode specimen collection can improve laboratory test result turnaround times, save staff time, and most importantly, help nurses virtually eliminate patient identification and specimen labeling errors during the collection process by removing all the potential failure points.
Why is aliquot specimen necessary?
Specimen may need to be aliquoted for the following reasons: a. Plasma is the required specimen b. There is no gel separator to separate the serum/plasma from the cells c. Stability requires this done before transporting to the laboratory.
How can mislabeled specimens be prevented?
For example, to prevent errors during collection and processing, avoid having specimens from multiple patients in the active work area at the same time. Also, avoid using strips of labels from a label printer with labels for multiple patients that must be matched to specimens.
How do you label blood tubes?
Always label one tube at a tube….A typical blood specimen label has the following information on it:
- Patient’s first and last name.
- Date of birth, age, and sex.
- MRN or health number plus the lab accession number.
- The tests to be performed on that specific sample.
- The tube colour or type, varies by facility.
Should tubes be labeled before or after blood is drawn?
1. A properly labeled sample is essential so that the results of the test match the patient. a) Label all tubes in the presence of the patient in the drawing area and only after the blood have been drawn. DO NOT defer until a later time.
How do you collect the specimen to be examined?
The following are essential safeguards for your patients.
- Avoid patient identification errors.
- Draw the tubes in the proper sequence.
- Use proper containers for collection.
- Mix all tubes ten times by gentle inversion immediately after collection.
- Do not decant specimens from one type of container into another.
What is the best thing to do with an unidentified specimen?
Specimen Identification Unlabeled or unidentified specimens will NOT be processed until properly labeled by physician or their designee. The specimen must be accompanied by a Surgical Pathology Order. Completion of ALL essential information will optimize tissue interpretation and patient care.
What is the rate of mislabeling of blood samples?
The mislabeling rate hasn’t changed much since a similar Q‑Probes study was performed in 2007. The 2015 Q‑Probes, “Blood Bank Safety Practices,” reviewed 41,333 specimens and found that 306, or 0.74 percent, were mislabeled.
How many specimens are mislabeled in blood banks?
The 2015 Q‑Probes, “Blood Bank Safety Practices,” reviewed 41,333 specimens and found that 306, or 0.74 percent, were mislabeled. The previous study looked at 112,112 specimens, of which 1,258, or 1.12 percent, were mislabeled.
Are mislabeled specimens still an important issue?
What Dr. Ramsey would like laboratories to know: “Mislabeled specimens are still an important issue. There are some things laboratories can do, but it’s also important to work with our clinical partners in the hospital. This is something that all transfusion services should be examining.”
What is the cost of specimen mislabeling at hospital X?
Hospital X has an average specimen mislabeling 250 times per month. Through specimen mislabeling case audits, key staff in Hospital X determined that the average total cost per mislabeling incident is USD 500.
